"Why, it is inconceivable!" he muttered.

And yet, as he looked round, he saw that the surroundings were those of a peasant's cottage.

How could he endure so many discomforts and wounds to his pride?
In his anger he absolutely started to his feet with the intention of reproaching his father, but his courage failed him, and he fell back into a chair, quivering with emotion.
The Duke de Champdoce was pacing up and down the room.
"Do you think it so little ?" asked he angrily.
Norbert knew that not one of the neighboring nobility who had the reputation of being wealthy possessed half this annual income, and it was with a feeling of bitter anger in his heart that he listened to the broken words which fell from his father's lips.

All at once the Duke halted in front of his son's chair.
"What fortune I have now," said he in a hoarse voice, "is little or nothing in times like these, when the tradesman contrives to make an almost unlimited income, and, setting up as a gentleman, imitates, not our virtues, but our vices; while the nobles, not understanding the present hour, are in poverty and want.

Without money, nothing can be done.